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Star Ocean, a classic JRPG series dating back to 1996, returns with The Divine Force, developed by tri-Ace and published by Square Enix. This latest installment carries the weight of the franchise’s future after the underwhelming Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness. Does The Divine Force deliver a cosmic adventure worthy of the series’ legacy, or does it fall short of the stars? Let’s delve into this galactic journey and explore its triumphs and shortcomings.

Star Ocean: The Divine Force Key Art

Star Ocean: The Divine Force is a welcome revival for a series many thought lost to the cosmic void. This review explores the game’s blend of medieval fantasy and sci-fi, the fast-paced combat, and the enchanting soundtrack, while also addressing its shortcomings, including AI flaws and technical hiccups. Does The Divine Force reignite the Star Ocean flame, or is it destined to fade into obscurity? Read on to find out.

A Return to the Stars: Reviving a Forgotten Franchise

One of the most appealing aspects of the Star Ocean series is its unique blend of medieval fantasy and science fiction. The Divine Force stays true to this tradition, offering players the choice of two protagonists: Raymond Lawrence, captain of the interstellar cargo ship Ydas, and Laeticia Aucerius, princess of the medieval kingdom of Aucerius on the underdeveloped planet Aster IV.

Raymond and Laeticia

The dual narratives intertwine to tell a single story, offering replayability as players experience events from different perspectives. Raymond’s story begins with a devastating attack on his ship by the Federation flagship Astoria, forcing him to eject and crash-land on Aster IV. There, he encounters Laeticia, and together they embark on a quest to resolve the planet’s problems while Raymond searches for his crew and unravels the mystery behind the attack.

Aster IV Environment

Blending Worlds: Medieval Fantasy Meets Sci-Fi

The clash of cultures between the technologically advanced Raymond and the medieval world of Laeticia provides a compelling backdrop for the narrative. Laeticia’s reactions to futuristic technology like spaceships and robots inject a sense of wonder and humor into the story. While the plot follows a familiar JRPG formula, it focuses on character development and interpersonal relationships, offering a refreshing change of pace from convoluted narratives.

Raymond and Laeticia interacting

However, the pacing can feel uneven, with long stretches of exposition punctuated by bursts of intense action. While this may deter some players, the patient gamer will be rewarded with a satisfying character-driven experience.

Character interactions

Engaging Combat: Fast-Paced and Dynamic

The Divine Force introduces a revamped combat system that replaces the traditional MP bar with a regenerating AP bar, similar to Tales of Arise. Players can chain together combos and utilize items in battle, adding a layer of strategic depth. The standout feature is D.U.M.A, a robotic companion that allows for high-speed aerial maneuvers and devastating blindside attacks.

Combat Screenshot

This dynamic combat system adds a thrilling dimension to the gameplay, requiring players to think on their feet and adapt to changing situations. The aerial combat is particularly exhilarating, offering a refreshing take on traditional JRPG battles.

D.U.M.A. in action

A Symphony of Sound: Motoi Sakuraba’s Enchanting Score

Composed by Motoi Sakuraba, the soundtrack of The Divine Force is a true highlight. From sweeping orchestral pieces to more intimate melodies, the music perfectly complements the game’s varied environments and emotional moments, enhancing the overall experience.

Scenic Vista

Where the Stars Fade: AI and Technical Issues

Despite its strengths, The Divine Force suffers from some significant drawbacks. The AI of party members can be frustratingly inept, often leading to unnecessary damage and hindering the flow of combat. The character models also appear stiff and unnatural, lacking the fluidity and expressiveness of other modern JRPGs.

Enemy Encounter

Furthermore, technical issues such as frame rate drops and low-resolution textures detract from the overall presentation. The small font size can also be problematic, requiring players to strain their eyes to read dialogue.

AI Issues

Conclusion: A Promising Return, but Room for Improvement

Star Ocean: The Divine Force represents a significant step forward for the series, offering a compelling blend of classic JRPG elements and innovative gameplay mechanics. However, the game’s potential is hampered by technical shortcomings and frustrating AI. While not a perfect return, The Divine Force offers a glimmer of hope for the future of the Star Ocean franchise.